Penguin Parade Melbourne
Witness hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset on Phillip Island, a truly enchanting wildlife spectacle near Melbourne.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cozy atmosphere
Penguin Parade Melbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cozy atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset on Phillip Island, a truly enchanting wildlife spectacle near Melbourne.
"Watching the little penguins from the boardwalk was the highlight; witnessing their natural behaviors was simply heartwarming."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Aim to arrive by 4:00 PM for a 4:30 PM gate opening to secure good seats, especially if not booking premium. :seat:
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Evenings are cold and windy! Bring a thick jacket, hat, and gloves. :cloudwithsnow:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Penguin Parade
Phillip Island
Witness hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset to their burrows. A truly magical wildlife spectacle.
Premium Viewing Platform
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Get closer to the action with elevated seating and access to boardwalks near the penguin burrows. Worth the extra cost.
Discovery Centre
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Learn about the little penguins and their habitat through informative exhibits before the parade begins.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Dress for the Cold
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Aim to arrive by 4:00 PM for a 4:30 PM gate opening to secure good seats, especially if not booking premium. :seat:
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Evenings are cold and windy! Bring a thick jacket, hat, and gloves. :cloudwithsnow:
Penguins
How to do Phillip Island in a day?
📸 No Flash Photography!
Respect the penguins; flash photography is strictly prohibited and harms their eyes. +1 :noentrysign:
🔭 Binoculars for Close-ups
Enhance your viewing experience, especially for the initial moments as penguins return. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
Penguin Parade @ Phillip Island
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Aim to arrive by 4:00 PM for a 4:30 PM gate opening to secure good seats, especially if not booking premium. :seat:
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Evenings are cold and windy! Bring a thick jacket, hat, and gloves. :cloudwithsnow:
📸 No Flash Photography!
Respect the penguins; flash photography is strictly prohibited and harms their eyes. +1 :noentrysign:
🔭 Binoculars for Close-ups
Enhance your viewing experience, especially for the initial moments as penguins return. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:
🚗 Consider a Tour
Organized tours from Melbourne simplify transport and logistics for a day trip. +1 :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the magical experience of watching the little penguins return ashore, especially with premium seating offering closer views and boardwalk access. The knowledgeable staff and the educational Discovery Centre also receive high marks. However, some find the general viewing areas can feel crowded during peak times, and accessibility for prams and wheelchairs could be improved.
"We visited the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as a group of five and had a wonderful experience. We arrived around 4:30pm, which is the perfect time in winter since you need to be seated before the penguins return from the sea—usually around 5pm. We highly recommend booking premium seats in advance, as we did, for the best experience.
We were fortunate to have clear weather on the day of our visit, which made the evening even more enjoyable. When the penguins first appeared, they were a bit far from our seats, so bringing binoculars is a great idea if you want a close-up view during those first magical moments.
One of the highlights of the premium seating is the access to the boardwalk right next to the penguin burrows. After the initial viewing, we could walk along the wooden bridge and observe the penguins up close for over half an hour. This part of the experience was truly special and made the premium tickets excellent value for money.
The staff were outstanding—friendly, polite, and eager to answer all our questions with useful information about the penguins and their habitat. Overall, we highly recommend the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, especially with premium seating, for an unforgettable wildlife experience."
Sujinda Jarubhat (CuteCuteChannel)
"What an incredible experience it was—truly beyond what I had hoped for! I highly recommend reserving your tickets in advance and arriving at least an hour before sunset; it really made a difference. There are lovely cafes where you can enjoy some food while you wait for the sunset and the arrival of the adorable penguins, but be mindful of the seagulls—they can be quite cheeky!
Before entering, the Discovery Centre offers informative insights that enhance your visit. The penguins typically arrive right at sunset, which can vary throughout the year, so checking their website for details is a great idea. This experience is perfect for all ages and is especially accommodating for those in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges, as they provide buggies for assistance.
While they kindly ask that no photos or videos are taken, this really allows you to immerse yourself fully in the moment—it's truly an unforgettable experience! Watching the little penguins from the boardwalk was the highlight; witnessing their natural behaviors as they mingled and settled in for the night was simply heartwarming.
Spending beach time while waiting for the sunset was a joy, as we enjoyed the serene beauty surrounding us. The staff were not only friendly but also exceptionally knowledgeable about the penguins, showing genuine care and dedication to these little creatures. This visit was undoubtedly a heartfelt journey that will remain with me for a long time!"
Gaurav B
"During my visit, penguin back to the shore at 5.40pm and estimated about 1400 penguin back to their house,
so we have waited between 20 - 40 mins for the penguin back to their house. Its really freezing during month of june so during winter its recomended to wear thicker clothing as the wind quite strong.
⁶ Recomended to come at 4pm as gate open only at 4.30pm.
Do buy penguin plus ticket to get best view and seat the first row for best penguin viewing. See my photo u will roughly know where to seat😅"
Collins Voo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is via an organized coach tour from Melbourne CBD, which often includes other attractions. Alternatively, renting a car offers flexibility but requires careful planning for the ~2-hour drive. Public transport is challenging for a day trip due to limited schedules and the need for taxis on the island. +2
Yes, day trips are popular, often via coach tours. However, be prepared for a long day, especially as the penguins appear at dusk. Driving yourself allows more control over timing. +1
While technically possible via V/Line bus, it's very difficult to do in a single day. You'd need to rely on taxis on the island and factor in significant travel time, making organized tours or a rental car more practical. +1
There isn't a direct ferry from Melbourne. However, you can take a ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, which can save time if you're driving from that direction.
The drive from Melbourne CBD to Phillip Island typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are best purchased online in advance from the official Phillip Island Nature Parks website or reputable tour operators. Premium viewing tickets sell out quickly. +1
General admission prices vary, with premium viewing options costing more. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing and package deals.
Yes, there's general admission with tiered seating and the highly recommended Penguin Plus premium viewing area, offering closer access and better views. +1
It's highly recommended to book in advance as tickets, especially premium ones, can sell out. While some may be available on the day, it's risky. +1
The gates typically open around 4:30 PM, with the penguin arrival time varying based on sunset throughout the year. Check the official website for exact timings.
🎫 🐧 Penguin Viewing
The little penguins typically start returning to their burrows on the beach around sunset. The exact time varies seasonally, so check the park's website.
No, flash photography and video recording are strictly prohibited to protect the penguins' eyesight and natural behavior. +2
Historically, St Kilda Pier was an option, but it's currently closed for renovations. Phillip Island is the primary and most reliable location for viewing large colonies.
With general admission, you view them from tiered seating. Premium viewing offers boardwalk access closer to their burrows, providing a more intimate experience. +1
The 'penguin march' refers to the sight of hundreds of penguins waddling together from the sea to their nests after sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and a gift shop at the visitor centre where you can purchase food and drinks while waiting for the parade.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted within the main viewing areas. It's best to consume any personal snacks before entering the viewing zones.
Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island, offers various cafes and restaurants. San Remo, on the mainland before the island, is also known for its bakeries.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Photography with flash is strictly forbidden. Many visitors use their phones with night mode, but it's best to check current regulations and prioritize the penguins' well-being. +2
While phones are allowed, flash is prohibited. Some visitors report success using night mode on their phones, but the park's policy emphasizes immersion over capturing images. +1
Modern phone cameras with good low-light capabilities can work. Alternatively, consider a tour that offers specialized photography experiences or simply enjoy the moment without a camera.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Phillip Island: Tours vs. Self-Drive
On the other hand, renting a car provides greater flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. This is ideal if you want to visit other parts of Phillip Island, such as Cowes or the Nobbies Centre, before or after the parade. However, driving yourself means you'll need to factor in fuel costs, potential traffic, and the responsibility of navigating. Be aware that driving at dusk and dawn on the island can be hazardous due to wildlife on the roads, so caution is advised.
Public transport is generally not recommended for a day trip to the Penguin Island Melbourne due to its complexity and time constraints. While buses connect Melbourne to Phillip Island, getting around the island itself without a car or tour can be difficult and time-consuming, especially to reach the parade viewing areas.
Maximizing Your Penguin Parade Experience
Arriving early is also key. Gates often open around 4:30 PM, and aiming to be there then ensures you can settle into your chosen spot, especially if you have general admission tickets. This also gives you time to explore the Discovery Centre, which offers valuable insights into the lives of the little penguins, enhancing your appreciation for the parade.
Finally, be a responsible visitor. The park strictly prohibits flash photography to protect the penguins' sensitive eyes. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in this unique natural spectacle. Many visitors find that by adhering to the rules and being present, the experience becomes even more profound and memorable.
Understanding the Little Penguins
Phillip Island is a vital breeding ground and home for a significant population of these penguins. The Penguin Parade experience is carefully managed to minimize disturbance to the penguins' natural life cycle. The boardwalks and viewing platforms are designed to allow visitors to observe them without encroaching on their nesting areas or causing stress.
It's crucial for visitors to understand that these are wild animals. Their return to shore is a natural behavior driven by instinct and safety. Adhering to park rules, such as avoiding flash photography and staying on designated paths, is paramount to ensuring the long-term health and well-being of the penguin colony.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit